Frequently Asked Questions
I've been to Counselling and it hasn't worked before, what makes you think that this is different?
It's different to Counselling because Solution-focused therapy is about asking you to focus on where you would like to see yourself and how you might get there, rather than asking you to talk continuously about the problem. It helps you find the exceptions to times when you were not feeling so down or stuck and uses those as a basis to moving forward. It doesn't matter if you struggle to do this - my job is to help you get there in your own time.
What is the difference between Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Based Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works through your thoughts, feelings and behaviours - looking at those that are unhelpful or unrealistic and how they affect you. We look at what how you can work through these thoughts and actions, and gradually replace unhelpful with more helpful. Solution focused therapy is a little like CBT (Cognitive Based Therapy) but often does not specifically focus on behaviour and what causes the behaviour. Instead, it asks you to look for times when the problem did not exist and what was happening differently - at how you could make small changes, and thus step into that preferred scenario.
I've been told I should have CBT, why is Solution-focused Therapy so different?
CBT looks at behaviour and asks you to recognise the behaviours that are causing you to make the emotional responses and decisions that you do. Whilst this is ok, many people already know their behaviours and cannot stop them. Solution-focused therapy looks at what life would be like without the issues you currently have and asks you to make small changes - within your capacity- and in this way does not focus on behaviour but possible outcomes. Solution-focused therapy offers you an opportunity to find a way forward without the need for this.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
Emotional difficulties can be wide-ranging and long-standing, affecting self-esteem, friendships and relationships, and therefore it is very difficult to estimate exactly how many therapy sessions a person will need in order to feel as if they are reaching a point where they no longer need someone to talk to. Some find that several session are enough for them to move on, others find that more are needed. You move on when you feel you need to. It is up to the individual.
What if I only need one session - am I wasting your time?
No - you came to see someone to talk to, about things that have been upsetting you or bothering you. Sessions are never a waste of time. This is a safe space for you to have the freedom to say things that you may not feel you want to tell close friends or family members.
Sessions For Children
My child is not a great talker and really worries about meeting new people..
That's ok - lots of children feel this way. I am used to seeing people who are anxious. Your child is welcome to have you sit in with them. They can bring a favourite toy if they are younger. I usually have drawing, colouring and various other activities availble to help keep a person calm or comfortable. Equally, I find that once they have been in the building and have met with me it is much easier the next time.
My child will not sit still.
Don't worry - I am used to this and prepared for it!
Can I sit in on the sessions with my child?
Yes, of course, if they wish you to be in the room with them.
What if my partner and I want to talk about our issues relating to our child/children? Can we have separate sessions?
Yes - you are more than welcome to book a session to discuss any issues that you feel you need help with in the family home.
